India's First Animal Stem Cell Biobank Inaugurated in Hyderabad
The National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) in Hyderabad has launched India's first Animal Stem Cell Biobank. This state-of-the-art facility will store and preserve high-quality stem cells from various animal species to boost research in veterinary medicine, regenerative therapies, and drug testing. Along with the biobank, NIAB unveiled five new low-cost diagnostic kits for animal diseases like brucellosis and mastitis, aiming to improve livestock health and support the country’s growing bioeconomy.
US Halts Trade Talks with India, Doubles Tariffs to 50%
The US has suspended trade negotiations with India and imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, bringing the total to 50%. The new levy, a response to India's Russian oil purchases, will take effect on August 27. President Donald Trump stated talks will not resume until the tariff dispute is resolved. India has called the move "unjustified and unreasonable," promising to take necessary measures to protect its economic interests, causing the rupee to fall against the dollar.
Supreme Court Withdraws Unprecedented Order Barring HC Judge from Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court has recalled its own controversial order that had restrained Allahabad High Court Justice Prashant Kumar from hearing criminal cases until his retirement. The reversal came after a request from Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and protests from Allahabad HC judges. The initial order, which criticized the judge for passing "perverse" orders, had created an unusual standoff within the judiciary. The SC bench, while withdrawing the directive, left the matter to the High Court's Chief Justice.
Cabinet Approves ₹30,000 Crore Subsidy for Oil Firms to Offset LPG Losses
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹30,000 crore subsidy for state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) to compensate for losses incurred by selling domestic LPG below international market prices. The compensation for Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL aims to ensure their financial stability and maintain uninterrupted fuel supply. Additionally, the Cabinet cleared ₹12,060 crore in support for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for 2025-26, continuing the ₹300 per cylinder subsidy for over 10 crore beneficiary households.
Government Withdraws Income Tax Bill, 2025; Revised Version Due in Parliament
The government has withdrawn the Income Tax Bill, 2025, from the Lok Sabha, with a revised version scheduled to be introduced on August 11. The move allows for the incorporation of recommendations from a parliamentary select committee and other stakeholders. The bill, intended to replace the six-decade-old Income-Tax Act of 1961, aims to simplify tax laws. The committee had suggested several changes, including removing a provision that denies refunds for late-filed returns, which are expected to be included in the new draft.
Rescue Operations Intensify in Flood-Ravaged Uttarkashi
Rescue efforts are ongoing in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district following devastating flash floods and landslides. Four helicopters, including a Chinook, have been deployed to evacuate hundreds of stranded people from the cut-off Dharali area. So far, 729 people have been evacuated, while four are confirmed dead and 49 remain missing. The Army has constructed a Bailey bridge over the Limchigad to restore road connectivity, as multiple agencies, including the NDRF and SDRF, continue search operations amid challenging conditions and damaged infrastructure.
Tamil Nadu Launches State Education Policy, Reaffirming Two-Language Formula
Tamil Nadu has officially released its own State Education Policy, which notably reiterates the state's long-standing two-language formula of teaching only Tamil and English in schools. The policy, formulated by a committee led by retired Justice D. Murugesan, stands in direct contrast to the three-language model proposed by the central government's National Education Policy. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated the policy is designed to foster critical thinking over memorization and reflects the state's unique cultural character.
Supreme Court Recalls Order Barring Allahabad High Court Judge from Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court has recalled its unprecedented August 4 order that barred Allahabad High Court judge, Justice Prashant Kumar, from hearing criminal cases. The reversal came after a written request from Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, and after 13 Allahabad HC judges protested the order. The bench, led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala, deleted the controversial directions and referred the matter to the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court to handle administratively, stressing its original intent was to uphold institutional dignity.
Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Slaying of Indian Student in Canada
Canadian police have arrested and charged a 32-year-old man with first-degree murder for the killing of Harsimrat Randhawa, a 21-year-old Indian student. Randhawa was struck by a stray bullet in Hamilton, Ontario, in April while waiting for a bus. Police say she was an innocent bystander caught in a dispute involving multiple people in cars. The suspect, Jerdaine Foster, was arrested at Niagara Falls and also faces three counts of attempted murder. The investigation remains ongoing.
Germany Halts Exports of Military Equipment to Israel for Use in Gaza
Germany has suspended the export of military equipment to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, marking a significant policy shift for one of Israel's staunchest allies. Chancellor Friedrich Merz cited growing uncertainty about whether Israel's planned military push into Gaza City would achieve its goals of disarming Hamas and freeing hostages. The decision reflects Berlin's deep concern over the suffering of Gaza's civilian population and a sharpening international tone regarding the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Pakistani Batsman Haider Ali Suspended Amid UK Rape Investigation
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended batsman Haider Ali after it was confirmed he is under criminal investigation in England following a rape allegation. Greater Manchester Police arrested a 24-year-old man, who has since been bailed, in connection with an incident reported to have occurred on July 23 during the Pakistan Shaheens' tour. The PCB stated it respects the UK's legal process and has provided legal support to Ali, reserving the right to take further action later.
Over 200,000 Indians Renounced Citizenship in 2024, Government Reports
The government informed the Lok Sabha that 2,06,378 Indians renounced their citizenship in 2024. This figure continues a trend where over two lakh citizens have given up their Indian nationality annually for the past three years. According to data provided by the Ministry of External Affairs, the total number of Indians who have renounced their citizenship since 2020 has now surpassed 8.9 lakh. The government stated that the reasons for this are personal to the individuals involved.
Six Killed as Car Plunges into Gorge in Himachal Pradesh
Six people, including five members of the same family, were killed in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district when their car fell into a deep gorge. Police reported that a boulder struck the moving vehicle, causing the driver to lose control. The family, which included a schoolteacher, his wife, and their two children, was returning home for Raksha Bandhan. An army jawan who was driving them and another villager who had taken a lift also died in the tragic accident.
James Lovell, Commander of Apollo 13 Mission, Dies at 97
James Lovell, the NASA astronaut who commanded the perilous Apollo 13 mission, has died at the age of 97. Lovell famously turned a near-catastrophe into a historic success of human ingenuity after an oxygen tank explosion crippled his spacecraft on its way to the moon in 1970. His crew's safe return, guided by mission control, became one of NASA's most celebrated moments. A veteran of four spaceflights, including the first-ever mission to orbit the moon (Apollo 8), Lovell was a pivotal figure in space exploration.
NSA Doval Meets Putin in Moscow to Deepen Strategic Ties
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Moscow to bolster the India-Russia strategic partnership. The high-level talks focused on regional security, defence cooperation, and preparations for an upcoming bilateral summit in India, which Doval confirmed is scheduled for late August. The visit underscores the continued importance of the relationship between New Delhi and Moscow amid shifting global dynamics and trade tensions with the West.